Online Master’s in Nursing: Leadership in Healthcare Systems Emphasis
- Online
What Is an MSN: Leadership in Healthcare Systems Program?
An MSN: leadership emphasis program is a graduate-level nursing degree designed for licensed registered nurses (RNs) who are interested in studying nursing leadership and management. GCU’s Master of Science in Nursing with an Emphasis in Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems can prepare nurses to serve as effective and ethical leaders in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
This master’s in nursing: leadership emphasis program focuses on improving healthcare quality with evidence-based practices while also supporting efficient healthcare delivery and fiscal responsibility in daily operations. Nurses will also study advanced concepts in nursing science, including pharmacology and pathophysiology.
Save 10% off tuition when you start your program, if you qualify.(See disclaimer µ)
Online: $610 per credit [More Info]
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission.
Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
Why Should You Pursue a Master’s in Nursing: Leadership at GCU?
The curriculum for this MSN degree consists of graduate nursing core and leadership courses, including courses taken with Master of Science in Leadership (MSL) students. This can provide opportunities for professional networking and for learning from the diverse perspectives of peers. As a Christian university, GCU emphasizes the role of professional ethics in healthcare decision-making. Our students work through advanced coursework online,(See disclaimer 1) lending greater convenience to the education process.
What To Expect in an MSN: Leadership in Healthcare Systems Degree
Flexible Online Learning That Fits Your Lifestyle
You can earn this online MSN: leadership emphasis via our intuitive e-learning platform. Take courses with more flexibility and continue to meet your professional commitments while working to strengthen your academic qualifications.
An Accredited University You Can Trust
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Nursing and Health Care Professions shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Nursing Education Support Designed for Your Future
You’ll receive the support of the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions throughout this program. Benefit from personalized guidance from the Office of Field Experience, which will assist you with field/practicum placements. Additionally, our online(See disclaimer 1) students receive technical support.
A Christian University Committed to Purpose and Faith
GCU is a private Christian university that encourages our nursing students to serve their communities with integrity and an enduring commitment to ethical conduct. Here, you’ll experience faith-integrated courses and a supportive community rooted in our Christian worldview
What Will I Study in the Online MSN: Leadership in Healthcare Systems Program?
In these nursing courses, you will be taught how to fulfill the various roles of clinician, patient educator, nurse leader and advocate through the hands-on application of evidence-based principles in organizational science, leadership and advanced practice. Leadership courses teach master’s nursing students to meet the requirements of leaders in contemporary healthcare. You will have the opportunity to reflect on skills in quality and performance improvement, effective communication and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Master’s in Nursing: Leadership Degree Core Course Topics
This master’s in nursing: leadership emphasis combines didactic coursework with hands-on learning opportunities. You’ll explore strategies for optimizing financial management in healthcare while improving the quality of patient care and protecting patient safety. In addition to leadership courses in topics such as organizational science, you’ll study advanced nursing topics in areas such as translational research, population health and pharmacology.
This degree includes an evidence-based project and practicum, where you will apply what you’ve been taught to address a modern nursing issue and to a contemporary, nursing leadership-related experience.
This Master of Science in Nursing: leadership emphasis covers topics including:
Organizational behavior
Analyze the structures and effectiveness of healthcare organizations
Change management theories
Explore strategies for leading healthcare teams through change
Financial management
Discover the principles of financial management in healthcare, including operational budgets
Organizational assessment
Evaluate quality improvement models and conduct a needs assessment
Healthcare quality
Strategize ways of improving care processes, outcomes and the patient experience
Leadership styles
Reflect on leadership behaviors that motivate and inspire others
Continue Your Journey From MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Master’s-prepared nurses may explore the next step in their career by taking on roles in advanced registered nursing. Graduates may also choose to move directly into the DNP program to study advanced nursing practice at the terminal degree level.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Nursing: Leadership?
Graduates of this program may be well-prepared for a variety of influential roles in the healthcare sector. These professionals can pursue career paths in areas such as nurse management, leadership, administration or policy development and improvement. Additionally, these graduates can become equipped to take on roles in consulting, education and informatics,(See disclaimer 2) contributing to the advancement of healthcare practices and the improvement of patient outcomes.
Some of the settings where a graduate may work include:(See disclaimer 2)
Colleges or universities
Teach the next generation of nurses in higher education settings
Healthcare facilities
Explore roles in hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices
Nursing homes
Provide leadership in long-term care facilities to ensure seniors receive quality care
Insurance companies
Focus on informatics or other areas of advanced nursing practice at insurance companies
Estimated number of new annual job openings for healthcare occupations from 2024 through 2034(See disclaimer 3)
Median annual salary for registered nurses as of May 2024(See disclaimer 4)
Affordable Online Tuition at GCU
GCU believes that quality higher education should be accessible to all. We’re committed to keeping our academic programs affordable for our students and offering millions in institutional scholarships. An education at GCU is an investment in your future.
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Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
Don’t wait to move forward. Talk with a university counselor today to discover savings opportunities.
MSN: Leadership in Healthcare Systems FAQ
Get more insight into the path of nursing leadership with GCU’s frequently asked questions about this Master of Science in Nursing: leadership emphasis program.
Is the MSN: Leadership in Healthcare Systems emphasis worth it?
What is the difference between an MSN in leadership in healthcare systems and an MSN degree?
What skills do students develop in nursing leadership programs?
Can registered nurses enroll in master’s in nursing for leadership in healthcare programs?
How does a master’s in nursing: leadership support patient care outcomes?
Is the master’s in nursing for leadership in healthcare systems degree hard?
Getting Into GCU
GCU has streamlined the process of applying for admission to the university. We do not require a personal statement or essay, and there is no application fee. Specific requirements can vary, depending on the degree or program. Your university counselor will help you navigate the process of applying.
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
Lead healthcare organizations toward higher healthcare quality and greater efficiency with an online(See disclaimer 1) MSN: leadership emphasis.
(See disclaimer µ) MOU 10421: The New Master of Science in Nursing Student Scholarship is only valid for those admissible applicants who submit a complete application, meet all requirements for acceptance and start their program. If you enroll in a Master of Science in Nursing program (all emphases are eligible), we will award you 10% off the tuition per course for your program. This scholarship excludes Nursing Concurrent Enrollment Pathways. This scholarship will be applied at the same time the tuition charges occur. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship. This scholarship will be applied toward your tuition only, and you will not receive funds in excess of your charges.
Clinical, practicum and immersion hours completed locally.
- Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, Dec. 10). What Can You Do With a Master's Degree in Nursing Leadership? Indeed. Retrieved May 2026.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Healthcare Occupations, retrieved May 2026.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Registered Nurses, as of May 2024, retrieved May 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Registered Nurses, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.